Chapter 057: I Want Her!

After walking for only a short while, the two of them arrived at the grand entrance of a stately residence. Jin’er looked up at the plaque above the doors and saw two gilded characters: “Liu Residence.”

“Oh? Nanny Lin, how is it that you went out and came back with such a pretty little girl?” One of the gate guards grinned as he spoke, his curious gaze lingering on Jin’er.

Nanny Lin chuckled, “Yes, what a coincidence. This is my distant niece—she’s come to the city to seek refuge with me. I was just worrying about not being able to find her, and wouldn’t you know it, we ran into each other by chance.”

“Well, that is quite the coincidence.” The two guards laughed and pushed the gates open to let them in.

They crossed a garden laid out in the style of a scholar’s retreat, and Nanny Lin led Jin’er straight to the main hall. It should be about time for the master and mistress to have just finished their breakfast and be resting in the hall.

“Nanny—no, Auntie…” Jin’er stumbled a little over the unfamiliar term, but she knew she would have to get used to it quickly. “This Liu Residence looks rather grand. What kind of family are they?”

Nanny Lin smiled. “The master was once the wealthiest man in our royal capital—no, he still is, truth be told. But while they are extremely rich, the family is quite kind and nothing like those arrogant, overbearing types who use their wealth to bully others.”

Jin’er nodded as she listened, and before she knew it, they had reached the entrance to the front hall.

Nanny Lin squeezed Jin’er’s hand and led her inside.

“Master, Madam, I’ve returned,” she announced, bowing as she entered. She took out the chestnut cakes she’d bought earlier and offered them to the elegantly dressed middle-aged woman seated before her.

It was because the madam had wanted these cakes that she had gone out so early in the morning—otherwise, she would never have met the princess.

“Oh? Who is this beautiful little girl?” The woman didn’t take the cakes but instead looked curiously at Jin’er.

“Madam, this is a distant niece of your servant. She came to the city looking for me, lost and alone, and by chance I found her, so I brought her back.”

“I didn’t know you had such a young niece,” the lady remarked with a gentle smile.

Nanny Lin gave a slightly awkward laugh. “Yes, her parents had her late in life—she’s very precious to them.”

The lady laughed again. “If I had such a lovely daughter, I’d treasure her too.”

Nanny Lin nodded in agreement and continued, “My niece’s name is Jin’er. There was an epidemic back home, and she’s the sole survivor. She has no one left. I beg you, Master, Madam, have mercy and let her stay in the household.” Nanny Lin bowed her head in supplication.

The lady looked over at the master, a bit troubled. “But we already have plenty of staff here…”

Nanny Lin’s heart tightened, and she was about to speak when suddenly someone burst in from outside.

A boy came bounding in, slightly out of breath. He looked about Jin’er’s age, round and chubby, his plump cheeks glistening with sweat.

“Zhang’er! Where have you been running off to so early?” the lady scolded, feigning annoyance, though her eyes were filled with affection.

“Mother, I heard the servants say Nanny Lin brought back a pretty girl, so I came to see for myself, hehe…” He grinned, scratching the back of his head as he stared openly at Jin’er.

Jin’er met his gaze without the slightest fear, but as soon as the boy saw her, he was completely stunned.

“Ahem!” The usually silent Master Liu couldn’t stand his son’s foolishness and called out to snap him back to his senses.

Sure enough, the boy blinked back to reality, gave Jin’er a silly grin, and trotted over to his mother’s side.

“Mother, lately Xiao Yu has been all thumbs and careless in her work. You should replace her, and take this one instead!” Suddenly he pointed straight at Jin’er, who stood quietly to the side.

Jin’er’s brows knit for a moment, but her expression soon returned to normal.

He was clearly a spoiled young master—serving at his side would hardly be an easy job. Still, the most important thing was to be allowed to stay. Everything else could wait.

“Nonsense. Xiao Yu has been with you for two years. Since when is she careless?” the lady chided, rolling her eyes.

“Mother! I want her! I just want her…” Zhang’er began to whine and pout when his mother refused him.

Master Liu glared at his son with clear displeasure, shook his head, and sighed. “You’re not a child anymore, yet you don’t study, you just know how to act spoiled and play all day. Useless!” He slapped the table, stood, and strode out.

“Master…” the lady called after him, but he didn’t look back. As he passed Jin’er, he paused. “The child is pitiful—let her stay and help with chores. Nanny Lin, you teach her the household rules.”

“Yes, thank you, Master! Thank you!” Nanny Lin bowed repeatedly in gratitude.

“Thank you, Master.” Jin’er also bowed politely.

With a soft grunt, the master left without a backward glance.

Zhang’er pouted and made a face at his father’s retreating back.

“You!” The lady couldn’t help but smack him lightly, her tone exasperated. “Your father is right. You’re not a child—you need to start behaving yourself. The Liu family business will be yours one day. If all you do is play around without ambition, how can your father not be worried?”

“Alright, alright, you’ve said that so many times my ears are worn out…” Zhang’er grumbled, rubbing his ears.

The lady could only sigh helplessly; there was nothing she could do with her son.

“Madam, if I may, I’ll take her to get settled now,” Nanny Lin seized the opportunity to speak.

The lady waved her hand. “Go on then.”

They had barely left the hall when Zhang’er called out, “Mother, I’m going too.” Without waiting for a reply, he sprinted off.

“Zhang’er!” the lady called, but he was already gone. She could only shake her head and sigh. When would he ever grow up? It was a constant worry.

———

“Hey! What’s your name?” Zhang’er caught up to Jin’er and Nanny Lin after only a few steps, staring at Jin’er as he walked.

“Jin’er,” she replied coolly, casting him a sidelong glance.

“Jin’er? What a nice name. You’re the prettiest and have the loveliest name of any girl I’ve ever met.” He grinned goofily.

Jin’er rolled her eyes. Fortunately, he was still just a child—if he were older, she’d be in real trouble…

“Young master, young master! There you are. The tutor’s been waiting for ages.” A maid hurried over, panting as she tried to grab his arm.

“Let me go! I’m not going!” Zhang’er shook her off and ran off in the opposite direction.

“Young master! Come back! Please…” The maid chased after him, gasping for breath.

Jin’er watched the two of them run off and couldn’t help but laugh. Thank goodness she wasn’t assigned to serve him, or she’d be run ragged in no time.

Nanny Lin also smiled helplessly. “The young master is the little tyrant of our household. There isn’t a servant he hasn’t tormented. I’m spared only because I’m old and serve the madam.”

Jin’er smiled. “That’s a relief. But the master seems strict with him—how is he still so unruly?”

“Oh, the master scolds him often and is strict, but the young master never listens. Whenever the master threatens punishment, the madam can’t bear to see him suffer and always intervenes. Over time, he’s only grown more reckless.”

“I see.” Jin’er nodded, just as they arrived at a row of small rooms.

“These are the maids’ quarters. I have a room to myself—why don’t you stay with me from now on?” Nanny Lin smiled.

“Of course.” Jin’er was more than happy to share a room with her.